It’s a simple fact - we all get sad. We’re all crybabies after all. Fortunately, there are strategies and practices that can be implemented in our daily routine to feel happier. We’ve curated a list of little things that can quickly brighten your mood or distract you from troubles to bring you back to a better state of mind. Now, we’re not claiming these will instantly solve all of your problems and sadness, as we recognize that mental health is a very complex and difficult thing, but we hope that these ideas may help lift your mood, even if it’s just a little bit.

1. Count Your Blessings

When you step back and look at your life, there are countless amounts of things to be grateful for. If you’re reading this on your smartphone or computer, you have something extremely to be grateful for. Allow yourself to take time to recognize and appreciate all of your blessings. They can really put things into perspective.

2. Live in the Moment

“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.” Living in the moment means no longer worrying about what happened in the past and not fearing what will happen in the future. It means enjoying what’s happening now and living for today. Of course, it’s natural to spend moments of thought in the past or in daydreams of the future but to overthink about what happened and what is to happen could be dangerous. Time is just a number on the clock. Let go of your worries for a little while and soak in the time you have right now and appreciate the moment you’re in.

3. Stay Connected With Loved Ones

Simply reaching out to someone you love can remind you that you are loved. Text someone that you miss and make an effort to meet them for a lunch or coffee date sometime soon. Call up your mom or an old friend. Find ways to laugh and smile with the people around you. Not only will it make you happier and give you something to look forward to, but it will also make their day because they’ll feel appreciated and special.

4. Remind Yourself of Your Inspirations

What do you love to do? Immerse yourself in your hobbies and the things that inspire you and get excited over them as if you are experiencing it for the first time. Get so inspired that you can’t resist bursting into song or writing a beautiful poem or reading a book in one sitting. Do what you love and love it passionately.

5. Set Some Goals

Sitting down and writing out a list of goals that you want to accomplish can shift your mood and cause you to become more motivated and excited about something. The goals don’t have to be extremely detailed or over the top. Even if it’s just adding one thing to your daily routine or urging yourself to get up earlier is a great start. Also, remember to write as if you’ve already accomplished it, law of attraction ;)

6. Workout

Working out is not only good for your body, but also for your mind! Endorphins, a chemical that makes you happy, are released when you’re being physically active. If you are unable to go to the gym, start by simple stretches and workout routines right in your bedroom and opt out of driving and choose to walk to your destination if you are able to. So what are you waiting around for? Get moving!

7. Step Outside

Being in nature can truly be healing and grounding. Taking in the beauty of outdoors brings you back to point number one and two of being grateful and living in the moment. Even if it’s just for 20 minutes, go for a walk or sit outside and watch the sunset. We are such small specks in this wondrous, gigantic universe. Don’t let yourself ruin these moments by being down and inside all the time.

What are your strategies for lifting yourself up on a sad day? Leave a comment on this post letting us know. We all need advice for feeling better.

♡ Cry Baby

Written by @tyrahdae

Edited by Esma